Southern Andes
Cusco
Machu Picchu: Machu Picchu represents the pinnacle of pre-Columbian American architecture and engineering. This awe-inspiring Inca citadel boasts an expansive complex comprising a minimum of 172 impeccably crafted enclosures. What sets this site apart is not only its extraordinary architecture but also the lush rainforest ecosystem enveloping it and the breathtaking natural scenery that serves as a stunning backdrop to the citadel.
City of Cusco: The historic capital of the Inca empire is a city steeped in tradition and historical significance, yet it thrives today as a vibrant cosmopolitan hub for tourists. Cusco stands as a remarkable city that conserves an extensive array of architectural treasures from the Inca era. It is, however, a colonial city that has been developed atop the foundations of pre-Hispanic infrastructure and culture. Wandering through its narrow streets, you’ll find yourself led to enchanting squares and cozy plazas, where baroque churches and chapels gracefully coexist with ancient huacas and temples that lay beneath. This harmonious fusion of the past and present imbues Cusco with its unique and captivating character.
Maras and Moray: The salt mines of Maras feature terraced landscapes carved into a ravine, where salt is naturally produced through evaporation, a practice dating back to pre-Columbian times. Nearby, Moray is an archaeological site with concentric circular terraces at different levels, resembling mountain amphitheaters. Moray likely served as an agricultural laboratory, experimenting with distinct microclimates for crop cultivation, showcasing ancient agricultural techniques.
Visit and experience the art of Peru’s greatest artisans:
Tater Vera: A ceramists specialized in high-fired decorative techniques. Through dedicated research, he has successfully revived pre-Columbian methods linked to the use of crystallized clay. Furthermore, he has mastered the age-old art of glazing introduced to Peru by the Spanish in the 16th century.
Máximo Laura: An accomplished textile artist originally from Ayacucho, Máximo Laura enjoys international acclaim for his work. He skillfully merges the ancient textile traditions of the Andes with a contemporary artistic vision. Employing intricate weaving techniques, he creates tapestries that pulsate with vibrant colors and textures.
Marilú Behar and Pablo Seminario: Together, they established the Seminario Ceramics Workshop located in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. Their creations are a fusion of the richness drawn from ancient Peruvian cultures and a contemporary, personal touch. Over the years, their remarkable work has garnered numerous national and international awards and accolades.
Sacred Valley
Cusco
4 or 2-day Inca Trail: The most renowned trekking route in South America spans roughly 40 kilometers, connecting Ollantaytambo with the iconic citadel of Machu Picchu. Crafted by the Incas, this trail harmoniously traverses diverse landscapes, including Andean valleys, high-altitude regions with sparse vegetation and snow-dusted peaks, before descending into the lush rainforests that guide the way into the jungle. The length of the trek can vary, depending on your chosen starting point.
The great hike to Choquequirao: This trail spans the foothills of the Salkantay mountain, immersing trekkers in a dryer and warmer landscape shaped by the profound Apurimac River canyon. The journey unfolds towards the vast Choquequirao archaeological site, then continues into the Amazon basin, featuring demanding ascents and descents at altitudes lower than those encountered on routes to Machu Picchu. Typically, this trek commences from the village of Cachora, which can be reached via the southern interoceanic highway, accessed from the turnoff at the Saywite archaeological site.
The Colors of Palcoyo: Palcoyo Colors Mountain Range, located near Cusco’s Combapata district, features three colorful mountains just 20 kilometers south of the well-known Vinicunca. These serene mountains display striking red, ocher, and vibrant green hues with white stripes, set against the Cordillera Vilcanota’s snowy backdrop. Despite its high altitude, the trek is relatively gentle, taking just an hour to reach the viewpoint.
The mystery of Wakrapukara: Discover an undiscovered archaeological site in Cusco on a unique hike away from typical tourist routes. The construction here is remarkable, utilizing the mountain’s natural location and shape. You’ll encounter rocky formations resembling two colossal horns (“waqra” in Quechua) in the upper section, with a central rectangular square between them and observation buildings at each end.